Winter Depression- What Causes and How to Overcome It

During winter months most people are forced to stay indoors. Cold, lack of sunshine, rain and snow are just some of the reasons why people decide to close themselves in their own home or go to indoor spaces. For some people, the lack of sunlight will significantly affect, especially if they like sunny weather and outdoors in the wild. The feeling of depression starts in late autumn, when the last leaves from the tree fall to the ground, the cold covers the earth, and the sun rises. The tea and warmth of a favorite winter coat are the only things needed for some people to make them happy in the winter, but other people experience winter depression.

Why does winter depression occur?

Seasonal changes do not affect all people. But nevertheless, winter depression should be taken seriously. If you have a problem with getting up in the morning, problems with fatigue during the day, or if you have an eating disorder, it is recommended to visit a doctor or a psychologist.

These symptoms can be treated with the same therapy as those who struggle with depression. However, the sun or artificial light can have a significant impact on winter depression. One of the reasons why winter depression occurs is too much melatonin. When the epiphysis or pineal gland (an endocrine gland in the brain) begins to secrete melatonin, you feel sleepy. Also, the cause of winter depression may be that winter influences the lower production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood enhancement.

Symptoms of winter depression

People who suffer from winter depression have symptoms similar to those of regular depression, including lack of energy, difficulties with concentration, tiredness, greater appetite, a greater need for solitude, a greater need for sleep.

Treatment methods include light therapy

In addition to psychotherapy and drug therapy, in the treatment of winter depression, phytotherapy (light treatment) is increasingly used. The patient is exposed to a reliable light source every few hours, even 10 to 20 times stronger than home lighting. However, according to experts, this type of therapy can only function in combination with other methods, as an auxiliary therapy. What matters is that it can have an intriguing character. Quality psychotherapy provides the possibility of permanent recovery and the highest quality prevention. It is necessary to point this out because people who have problems with depression are prone to utterly uncontrolled consumption of medicines.

Tips to charge the batteries and overcome the winter depression

– Spend more time outside, outdoors. Natural light has an incentive effect on the synthesis of adrenaline and melatonin, hormones that contribute to a good mood.

– Stay on the move. The most effective combatant against winter depression is physical activity. Therefore, regardless of weather conditions, in rain, snow and cold, go to everyday walks or to running.

– Eat foods rich in carbohydrates. These include cereals, potatoes, rice primarily. At the same time, limit protein intake to organisms, meat, milk, and dairy products. Vitamin C is very useful in fighting winter depression, and beneficial effects also have aromatic spice plants, as they stimulate serotonin. These include vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, and coriander.

– Enhance your living space with vivid, natural colors. Keep in the vase of flowers yellow or orange, and pillows and curtains, experts say, in light inherent nuances have a fantastic effect. They influence the better mood, increase optimism and stimulate physical and psychological activity.

– Use essential oils to defeat depression. Essential oils of lemon, mandarin, menthol or lavender are very positive against winter fatigue and mood.